Joy n' Company was established in 2016 by Rachel Scherer and Michelle Searles. For several years, the pair helped operate the historic Villa in San Juan Capistrano. After time spent fulfilling their clients' biggest dreams, they decided to branch out and form a unique business that adds a funky fresh take to planning, while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence!
Rachel Scherer
Co-Founder | Admin
Rachel Scherer is an Orange County native with a passion for people. Having grown up in a family of musicians, she found inspiration in watching her loved ones evoke happiness within others. She knew that someday, she wanted to do the same.
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Rachel graduated from Cal State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and an emphasis in Journalism. After time spent as a writer, her path took a surprising turn - one she would grow to love even more than writing, itself.
She began working for Iva Lee’s Catering, where she was mentored by owner, Lisa Wagoner. Rachel was taught everything one should know about event planning. From coordination, to catering, to venue operation, she was provided a solid foundation by a woman of many trades.
The relationship with Iva Lee’s led Rachel into the arms of a well-known venue called The Villa San Juan Capistrano. ​She operated the property's bookings and public relations, and was recognized as an industry specialist in Locale Magazine's 2014 wedding edition. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, she was able to connect venue expertise to catering management and ensured flawless execution of each event.
With a natural knack for organization and communication, she quickly transitioned into the position she was always meant for - a wedding coordinator. Rachel began planning weddings and relished in the rewards of orchestrating a couple's most important day. ​Her work has been featured on sites such as Ceremony Magazine , Southern California Bride, Junebug Weddings, Inspired by This, Style Report Magazine, Style Me Pretty & California Wedding Day.
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Working in the wedding industry has allowed Rachel to infuse all of her favorite things - a good story, a passion for people, and organizational skills, which has resulted into an amazing job that she absolutely adores!
Michelle Searles was born and raised in San Clemente, California. With a love for sun on her skin (not without sunscreen, of course), toes in the sand, and smell of the salty ocean air, she and her family are planted in the charming Spanish Village by the Sea.​
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Michelle possessed a passion for organization from an early age. During weekly grocery store trips with her mother, she found herself straightening up the toy section. Little did she know, that one day, the zest and tidiness she displayed would combine into a perfect skill set for putting together the most important day of a couples' life - their wedding day.
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In 2000, she began working for John Q. Humphreys, owner of the Ramos House Café located in the Historic Los Rios District of San Juan Capistrano. Michelle had a natural knack for hospitality - she loved running around the Café, serving gourmet foods and making people feel like they were part of her "home".
In 2004, Humphreys began the process of purchasing a breathtaking venue called, The Villa San Juan Capistrano. While Humphreys worked on refurbishing the space, Michelle successfully ran the Ramos House Cafe in full stride.
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Michelle's hard work had paid off. In 2009, the 11-foot wooden gates of The Villa San Juan Capistrano opened to the public and she became the property's Venue Coordinator. With seven seasons and over 600 weddings under her belt, she has fallen in love with making dreams come true and watching happily ever after’s unfold before her eyes.
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The Villa San Juan Capistrano has provided Michelle with the career of her dreams and fulfilled her destiny of becoming a business owner.
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Michelle's work has been featured on sites such as Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, & Ceremony Magazine.
Michelle Searles
Co-founder | Coordinator
Colleen Bailey
Coordinator
Colleen Bailey is a spirited gal from the sunny shores of south Orange County. She has a heart for visual arts, organization, and all things hospitality!
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Her artistic journey began when she was a little girl. She found herself sketching fabulous fashions and interiors on notepads. Her passion landed her at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she explored the world of Visual Communications. Through the program, she gained knowledge in fashion merchandising, graphic design, interior design, and event planning.
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Post-graduation, Colleen became a merchandising district manager for major name brands. After much success, she craved a new adventure that would cultivate her creative side.
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Colleen found herself knee-deep in baked goods at a popular bakery! Channeling her love for design, she became the bakery's general manager where she coordinated client events, crafted stunning cakes, while creating friendships with local vendors.
This entry into the wedding industry ignited a fire within her. Over time, she dreamed of becoming a wedding planner. Colleen began working alongside the ladies at Joy n' Company, where she learned the ropes and honed in on her skills in wedding coordination.
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With much experience in the wedding industry under her belt, Colleen began coordinating weddings of her own for Joy n' Company. Her mission is to turn dream events into reality and is here to ensure that clients feel like superstars on their big day!